Armored-truck robbery suspects appear in federal court

HOUSTON – One man was killed and four others were arrested and charged Wednesday after a standoff with police.

Investigators said the men were involved in a string of armored-truck robberies in the Houston area. 

Anthony Hill, 46, Trayvees Duncan-Bush, 29, Nelson Alexander Polk, 37, and John Edward Scott, 40, are expected to appear in federal court Thursday on charges of conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by robbery and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The men face up to 20 years in federal prison for the robbery and a mandatory minimum five years for the firearm charge, if convicted.

The shooting was reported about 11 a.m. Thursday near the intersection of Imperial Valley Drive and Sam Houston Parkway East.

According to Houston police Chief Art Acevedo, several officers and SWAT team members were in place at two banks in north Houston as part of an investigation into the robbery spree.

Acevedo said officers drove an armored truck to the Amegy Bank, located at the intersection, and two armed people tried to rob the truck. 

“These are suspects who are willing to take lives, suspects that are violent,” Acevedo said.
          
A SWAT sniper, who was stationed on a nearby roof, fired at least two shots at the robbers while ground officers moved in to arrest them, Acevedo said. Those people were arrested without being injured.

VIDEO: Viewer records police activity during shooting

Acevedo said that at the same time, officers tried to arrest a man in a vehicle that was parked at a nearby apartment complex. The man, who was an accomplice of the robbers, pulled out a gun and exchanged fire with the officers. He was shot several times.

Acevedo said the man who was shot by officers was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he died. He has not been identified

“He was going to kill a man who is probably getting paid $20 an hour to try to feed his family during the holidays,” Acevedo said.  “These people have no respect for the sanctity of life.”

Nearby Marcella Intermediate School was locked down before the operation began, Acevedo said.

“You see this happening and it’s, like, wow, it’s pretty crazy,” said Chris Romero, who works at a nearby restaurant.

VIDEO: Houston police chief talks about shooting

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